Chaos at Asansol Railway Station Amid Mahakumbh Rush: Devotees Struggle to Board Trains to Prayagraj

Asansol, West Bengal – A disturbing incident unfolded at Asansol Railway Station on Sunday, as thousands of devotees rushed to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. A viral video circulating on social media shows an overwhelming crowd jostling to reach the platforms, causing chaos and raising concerns over crowd management at one of West Bengal’s busiest railway hubs.

The incident comes just a day after a deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which left at least 18 dead and several injured, underscoring the challenges faced in handling massive crowds during the Mahakumbh pilgrimage, a religious event that attracts millions of devotees from across India.

Background of the Incident

The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Devotees from various parts of India, including Asansol, have been flocking to the city to participate in the sacred event. The sheer volume of passengers has led to heavy crowds at several railway stations, including Asansol, known for its connection to the North and Eastern Railways.

In the viral video from Asansol Railway Station, the scene is chaotic, with devotees scrambling for a spot on trains heading to Prayagraj. Several police officers can be seen attempting to manage the crowd, though the sheer number of passengers made controlling the situation a formidable challenge.

Watch the video below :

#Watch: Huge rush of passengers at the Asansol Railway Station to board the train to Prayagraj. However, none hurt in the incident. #MahaKumbh2025 #Asansol pic.twitter.com/En98ETrS5o

— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) February 16, 2025

A Closer Look at the Situation

The video, which has garnered attention across social media platforms, sparked outrage among netizens, many of whom criticized the government for its poor crowd management and lack of adequate arrangements. A journalist covering the incident shared the footage, stating, “Huge rush of passengers at the Asansol Railway Station to board the train to Prayagraj. However, none were hurt in the incident.”

Despite the chaos, there were no reported injuries at Asansol, which came as a relief after the recent tragedy at New Delhi Railway Station. The incident there was triggered by delays in train schedules, causing an overcrowded platform and resulting in a stampede that claimed the lives of 18 people.

Social Media Reactions and Public Concerns

Social media users were quick to voice their concerns over the overcrowded railway stations. One user expressed, “Considering the significant number of devotees from Asansol and surrounding areas, a special train to Kumbh from Asansol is immediately essential to cater to the demand.” Another user commented sarcastically, “Who takes a plastic chair to Kumbh Mela? And why would anyone carry a full-blown chair with him/her to Kumbh?”

Meanwhile, a third user, who claimed to have witnessed the scene around 7:30 PM, observed that the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was well-prepared for crowd control. “RPF were well-prepared for this crowd,” they wrote, hinting that the situation could have been worse without their presence.

Stampede Tragedy in New Delhi

The deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday, which claimed 18 lives, has cast a shadow over the Mahakumbh Mela rush this year. The tragedy unfolded on platform number 14 when two trains were delayed, leaving passengers waiting for extended periods. The resulting congestion led to a deadly stampede as people got trapped on the foot overbridge, escalators, and stairs.

Authorities are currently investigating the reasons behind the stampede, and several measures have been promised to avoid a similar disaster at other railway stations.

Call for Better Crowd Management

The incidents at both New Delhi and Asansol highlight the pressing need for improved crowd management strategies, especially during peak pilgrimage times like the Mahakumbh Mela. Experts and locals alike have called for better coordination between railway authorities, local police, and disaster management teams to ensure the safety and well-being of the lakhs of devotees attending the religious event.

With the Mahakumbh Mela drawing millions of visitors each year, it is crucial that authorities take immediate action to prevent further tragedies. In the case of Asansol, the demand for additional trains to handle the rush has only increased, with calls for better planning to avoid overcrowding and ensure smooth travel for all passengers.

Conclusion

The images and footage from Asansol Railway Station serve as a stark reminder of the challenges of managing large-scale events in India, particularly during religious pilgrimages like the Mahakumbh Mela. While the Asansol incident did not result in casualties, it highlights the urgent need for robust crowd management and infrastructure to handle the growing number of devotees each year. As the Mahakumbh Mela continues, it is hoped that the lessons from recent incidents will lead to safer and more organized transportation for millions of people.

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